Quick Answer
The biggest risks in dog walking are:
- Livestock incidents
- Road incidents
- Loss of control
These carry serious consequences.
Livestock risk
This is one of the most serious risks.
Dogs worrying livestock can lead to:
- Injury or death of animals
- Police involvement
- Financial penalties
- Reputational damage
In some cases, dogs may be legally destroyed.
Under the Animals Act 1971, a farmer may be legally entitled to shoot a dog that is worrying livestock. This is a real and serious risk.
A dog walking risk assessment should include specific controls for walking near livestock. See the dog walking risk assessment article for guidance.
Road risk
Common issues:
- Dogs running into traffic
- Poor control near roads
- Distractions
Consequences can be severe and immediate.
Dog-to-dog incidents
- Fights
- Escalation
- Poor introductions
Often caused by poor judgement or overconfidence.
Public interaction
- Children approaching dogs
- Nervous or reactive dogs
- Unpredictable situations
Reality check
These risks do not just create incidents.
They destroy trust instantly:
- With clients
- With the public
- With authorities
Insurance helps manage the financial consequences of incidents, but it does not prevent them. See the dog walking insurance article for guidance on what cover you need.
Build a system that protects control and reduces risk.
Summary
- Safety is not optional
- Risk must be actively managed
- Poor decisions have serious consequences
- Trust can be lost in seconds
Part of a larger guide
This article is a supporting piece for the full pillar guide on dog home boarding in England.
Read the full guide: Dog Walking Business (UK): Legal, Safety, Trust and How to Do It Properly